How to Structure the Rest of Your Day After an Assessment

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Show Notes:

When you became a teacher, the last thing on your mind was assessments, and how the outcome of those tests would impact your job, stress levels, time, and overall joy during testing weeks. But since those factors are a reality, it’s important to plan and prepare for them effectively.

For the past three weeks, I’ve shared various test-taking strategies to help your students feel more confident and prepared for testing season. We’ve covered content-specific strategies for both language arts and math, along with techniques to help students stay calm and develop the right mindset. If you missed any of those episodes, be sure to check them out!

Now, after weeks of preparation, testing day is finally here—but what happens next? A common question among teachers is: What should I do with my students for the rest of the day after the big test? That’s exactly what we’re covering today in the final episode of our four-part series on test-taking in elementary.

Once state testing is over, it’s important to assess where you and your students are mentally. If you’re feeling drained, take time to decompress—play a review game, get outside for some fresh air, or simply recharge. However, don’t miss this opportunity to be productive, answer students’ lingering questions, and prepare them for what’s ahead. In this episode, I’m sharing five ideas for structuring the rest of your day after testing, along with specific examples to help both you and your students recover.

I’ve said it a hundred times, and I’ll say it again—testing is stressful. No matter how we frame it, it affects your stress levels, time, and decision-making. So, in case no one has told you lately, thank you. Thank you for the hard work you’ve put into preparing your students for these exams.

Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and I want to take a moment to recognize all you’ve done, and will continue to do, for your students. But remember, while you’re focused on supporting your students, don’t forget to take care of yourself, too!

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• Five ideas on how to structure the rest of your day after taking state assessments.
• A reminder that testing is stressful and permission to take time to focus on yourself and decompress after each day.
• Ways to provide space for students to share how they’re feeling about the test and opportunities to ask questions about what’s coming.
• How giving students a practical checklist can help with test preparation and stress management for the rest of the week.
• Encouragement and recognition for the hard work you’ve put into preparing your students—both before and during testing week.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• New Masterclass - How to Get Ready For the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less
• Fast Finishers Imagination Station for a Game/Activity 
• Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Farmhouse Chic)
• Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Brights) 
• Growth Mindset Affirmation Cards (Succulents) 
• Blooket
• Jeopardy App
• GoNoodle Flow
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• How to Calm & Prepare Students During the Weeks Leading Up to Testing
• Test-Taking Strategies for Math in Elementary
• Helpful Test-Taking Strategies in Elementary Language Arts
• 10 Enrichment Ideas (for High Achieving Students in Math and ELA)
• A Gentle Reminder for Exhausted Teachers
• How to Reduce Test Taking Strategies in Math for 2nd-5th Grade

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